Dusty Baker sits Shin-Soo Choo on Korean Day at Dodger Stadium

Jul. 29, 2013
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South Korean players Hyun-Jin Ryu of the Dodgers and Shin-Soo Choo of the Reds pose with Korean Pop group Girls Generation (L to R) tiffany, Sunny, and Taeyeon during Korea Day ceremonies before the game at Dodger Stadium. / Stephen Dunn, Getty Images

by John Fay, USA TODAY Sports

by John Fay, USA TODAY Sports

LOS ANGELES - A sure sign that Shin-Soo Choo needed a day off? He didn't resist when Reds manager Dusty Baker left him out of the lineup Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"He didn't fight me for a change," Baker said. "He was almost relieved I made the decision for him."

It was the fourth time Choo has been out of the starting lineup. It was a good time because the Dodgers were starting left-hander Chris Capuano. But it was Korean Day at Dodger Stadium.

"I hate to give it to him on Korean Day," Baker said. "... I had to choose between (Saturday) and (Sunday). Everybody would have hung me (Saturday). They'll only dip me in hot water today.

"It's been a tough trip on him. His parents are here. They don't speak English. His family is here. Between San Francisco and L.A. and New York, they have the highest Korean population in the country."

"We're a routine-type of players," Baker said. "You're used to getting up at the same time, eating at the same time. He's so accommodating. It breaks his routine and he's tired. He's the first one to the ballpark. I don't know when he sleeps. I told him to stay home today and sleep.

"This guy is here working. It's hard to beat him in here. He's dressed when I get here. In spring training they had to give him a key to clubhouse because he beat the clubhouse guys in."